Harvesting and Processing Basswood Fiber, with Nicholas WazeeGale

For thousands of years people have harvested and used fiber from basswood and linden species for lashings, rope, nets, mats and woven bags, both in the Old World and here in the Americas. This amazing material is still available from trees growing throughout our region but is little known now and very little used. We will get to know the American Basswood, learn of these tree's ecological significance, harvest a small tree and peel the bark, begin retting some of the bark, and process out some finished fiber. We will learn a couple methods of rope making and spend some time doing so. Participants will leave with some bark to ret and process, and some cord of their own making.

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 8+
Materials Fees: $15
Location: La Farge, WI

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $125
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Sustainer Level Ticket: $100
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Supported Level Ticket: $75
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!